ISLAMABAD: In a much-needed blunt statement, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Pakistan's top leadership to increase efforts to eradicate terrorists operating within the country. The statement came after he arrived in Islamabad on a visit to reset bilateral ties that remain strained following President Donald Trump's accusation of Pak providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Topics like bilateral cooperation and partnership, expanding economic ties between the countries, and Pak's critical role in the region, were discussed in a meeting held between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and Tillerson.
An inter-agency meeting chaired by the PM was also arranged, and saw different officials including Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Defence Khurram Dastigir Khan, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and ISI Chief Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar. Tillerson outlined the US' new South Asia strategy and the vital role played by Pak to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan.
A statement released by the US Embassy said, “The Secretary noted that Pakistan and the United States share common interests in establishing a stable, peaceful Afghanistan, defeating ISIS in South Asia, and eliminating terrorist groups that threaten both Pakistan and the United States.” In the meeting, Abbasi assured the Secretary that his country is committed to the war against terrorism. “The US can rest assured that we are strategic partners in the war against terror and that today, Pakistan is fighting the largest war in the world against terror,” Abbasi said.
The statement said, “Talks covered in detail all aspects of bilateral relations, the regional situation, as well as the evolving international environment. Pakistan delegation outlined the government's policy of a peaceful neighbourhood and steps taken to promote cooperation and stability in Afghanistan and the region.”
